​The fleet management industry has such a diverse range of people and roles, and everyone has a unique story of their journey in our industry. This month we talk to Hailey Spokes, Fleet & Supply Officer – Colac Otway Shire, Victoria.

FI: How did you get started in fleet and plant, and what was your first job in the industry?

HS: 15 years ago, I was employed in my first role in the industry by a local transport company. I was working for Colac Otway Shire as an administrator when an opportunity was put in front of me to act in the Fleet position – 6 months later I was the successful candidate for the full-time position.

FI: Tell us about your role and the kind of fleet and plant you manage.

HS: My role is to manage Council’s light and heavy fleet. This includes all aspects of fleet management. We have a roughly 60 heavy fleet items ranging from light to heavy trucks, graders, excavators, backhoes, rollers, tractors, mowers, etc. – a pretty big diverse range. Then, we have 63 light passenger vehicles.  I also manage the mechanical workshop along with 2 full time mechanics and 1 apprentice mechanic.

FI: What’s the favourite part of your job?

HS: The people I get to work with and the daily challenges that present. No one day is the same as the other.

FI: What are some of the biggest challenges you see facing fleet professionals this year and beyond?

HS: I think budget is always a big challenge, especially when you’re dealing with aging fleet. The changing world we live in with new regulations/legislations and guidelines all the time present challenges too. It’s hard to keep up!!

FI: How do you think the fleet department can make sure it has buy-in and support from the rest of the organisation?

HS: Data and analytics – if you have that then the numbers do the talking. Also, great communication and regular consolations with stake holders is crucial.

FI: If you weren’t in the fleet industry, what would you be doing?

HS: If I hadn’t of chosen to pursue my current career in Fleet I would’ve liked to have been a nurse.  

Would you like to share your story as a fleet practitioner with others in the IPWEA FLEET community? If so, then please email your interest to the editor.